Santa Barbara High girls beach volleyball battled to a 3-2 CIF-SS Div. 2 playoff victory over Saint Joseph of Lakewood on Thursday in Long Beach.
With the win, the Dons advanced to the CIF-SS Div. 2 Quarterfinals
“It was a long drive and a windy day, and we had a solid opponent facing us, but I’m proud of the girls for working hard, creating positive energy, and getting the job done,” Santa Barbara High head coach Kristin Hempy said.
The top duo of Keenan Engebretson and Lola Heckman got the scoring started with a two-set win, 21-17, 23-21.
“Keenan and Lola stayed strong against a consistent opponent and used great shot selection and communication to win this one,” Hempy said.
At the threes, Blake Saunders and Stella Peus battled their way to a victory in two sets, 21-18, 22-20.
The No. 4 pairing of Madi Priess and Gabby Cajuste clinched the win with a two-set win of their own, 21-12, 21-14.
Laguna Blanca 5, Pacifica Christian 0 (Div. 3)
The Owls punched their ticket to the CIF-SS Div. 3 quarterfinals with a sweep of Pacifica Christian on Thursday.
Laguna Blanca was in control from start to finish, dropping just one set across all five matches.
The duo of Mitra Mehrabi and Emie Valle turned in a strong performance, including coming back from down 12-6 in set two.
Danica Rux and Sage Holcombe picked up a comeback win of their own, battling back from an 8-0 deficit to win their second set 21-19 and clinch the win.
“It was an all-around great performance from our girls and we are excited for the quarterfinals,” Laguna Blanca coach Parker Reich said.
The Owls will hit the road to take on Long Beach Poly in the quarterfinals on Tuesday at 2 p.m.